Simona De Leo

I’m Simona, a freelance illustrator from Italy and now based in London, specialised in illustrated book covers.

I help book publishers and authors add soul to their stories with warm, beautiful, and timeless artwork that transcends time. My mission as an illustrator is to create book covers that feel as meaningful as the stories they hold.
Rich in emotion, texture, and atmosphere, my timeless, nostalgic illustration style has the power to connect your reader to the moment, a memory, and the soul of your story.

My process is thoughtful and collaborative, shaped by conversation, intuition, and a deep respect for the stories behind the work.

My style blends digital techniques with timeless, hand-painted textures, infused with warmth and poetry. I create art that brings story and beauty to every project — something that feels timeless and makes you feel something too.

When I’m not working, you’ll often find me in a cosy music venue, sketchbook in hand, drawing live musicians as they play.
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Simona De Leo The Simplicity of stillnessSimona De LeoThe Simplicity of stillnessSelf-published book by Davinder Chauah. Available on Amazon View FolioBook coverBotanicalNatureDigitalDigital ArtDigital illustrationBookBook CoversDigital
Simona De Leo Tales From The CafeSimona De LeoTales From The CafeMy personal interpretation of the book cover for Tales From The Cafe by Toshikazu
Kawaguchi
View FolioBook coverDigitalDigital ArtDigital illustrationHand drawn ink in ProcreateBookBook CoversDigitalDigital art workDigital art.
Simona De Leo Night watchSimona De LeoNight watchBook Cover for the Penguin Book Cover award competition 2026 View FolioBook coverDigitalDigital ArtDigital illustrationBookBook CoversDigitalDigital art workDigital art.FantasySilhouettes
Simona De Leo Someone Else’s ShoesSimona De LeoSomeone Else’s ShoesPersonal project.
Personal reinterpretation of for the cover for Jojo Moyes' book "Someone Else's Shoes
View FolioBook coverDigitalDigital ArtDigital illustrationGraphicBookBook CoversDigitalDigital art workDigital art.
Simona De Leo The Handmaid’s TaleSimona De LeoThe Handmaid’s TaleMy personal interpretation of the book cover for The Handmaid's Tale by Margaret Atwood View FolioBook coverPublishingDigitalDigital ArtDigital illustrationHand drawn ink in ProcreateBookBook CoverscommercialDigitalDigital art workDigital art.
Simona De Leo Book cover, David AttenboroughSimona De LeoBook cover, David Attenborough View FolioBotanicalPublishingDigitalBook CoversConceptual
Simona De Leo Jack Kerouac – On The RoadSimona De LeoJack Kerouac – On The RoadMy personal interpretation of the book cover for Jack Kerouac - On The Road View FolioBook coverTravelDigitalDigital ArtDigital illustrationHand drawn ink in ProcreateBookBook Covers
Simona De Leo The Eternal Stillness of LaplandSimona De LeoThe Eternal Stillness of LaplandPersonal project View FolioBook coverLandscapesTravelDigitalDigital ArtBookBook CoversDigitalDigital art workDigital art.Travelogue
Simona De Leo The Music StoreSimona De LeoThe Music StoreMy personal interpretation of the book cover for The Music Store by Rachel Joyce View FolioBook coverDigitalDigital ArtDigital illustrationHand drawn ink in ProcreateBookBook CoversDigitalDigital art workDigital art.
Simona De Leo Gardening for the Mind Body & SoulSimona De LeoGardening for the Mind Body & SoulMy personal interpretation of the book cover for Gardening for the Mind Body & Soul by Annie Burdiek View FolioBook coverDigitalDigital ArtDigital illustrationHand drawn ink in ProcreateBookBook CoverscommercialDigitalDigital art workDigital art.
Simona De Leo Book Cover, Maya Angelou, i know why the caged bird singsSimona De LeoBook Cover, Maya Angelou, i know why the caged bird sings View FolioPeoplePublishingBook CoversDigital
Simona De Leo Book Cover, Maya Angelou, i know why the caged bird singsSimona De LeoBook Cover, Maya Angelou, i know why the caged bird sings View FolioPeoplePublishingDigitalBook CoversConceptual
Simona De Leo The Great GatsbySimona De LeoThe Great Gatsby View FolioPublishingDigitalBook CoversConceptualDigital
Simona De Leo The puglieserSimona De LeoThe puglieser View FolioTravelDigitalDigitalEditorial
Simona De Leo Can a sound bath wash away your worries?Simona De LeoCan a sound bath wash away your worries?Can a sound bath wash away your worries?
Editorial illustration inspired by The New York Times article By Nicole Stock.

Editorial, Personal project
View FolioHealthLifestyleDigitalDigital ArtDigital illustrationConceptualEditorialEditorial Illustration
Simona De Leo LericiSimona De LeoLerici View FolioLandscapesLifestyleNatureTravelDigitalDigitalEditorialPosters